Dampiera Dottyback

The Dampiera Dottyback (Labracinus cyclophthalmus), also known as the Red Dottyback, Fire-tail Devil, or Dampiera Grouper, is a striking marine fish recognized for its vibrant red coloration and bold personality.

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Intermediate
• Temperament: Aggressive
• Color Form: Bright red
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Compatible: With caution
• Water Conditions:
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025
  • Temperature: 72–78°F
  • dKH: 8–12
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
• Maximum Size: Up to 8.5 inches
• Family: Pseudochromidae
• Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Overview: The Dampiera Dottyback is a robust and territorial species, making it suitable for experienced aquarists. Its vivid red hue adds a dynamic presence to marine aquariums. In the wild, it inhabits coastal reefs and tide pools, often seeking shelter among rocks and coral crevices.

Care Tips:

• Tank Setup: Provide a well-established aquarium with ample hiding spots using live rock and coral structures. A tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended to accommodate its active nature and territorial behavior.
• Feeding: As a carnivore, the Dampiera Dottyback thrives on a varied diet of meaty foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, squid, mussel, and crustacean flesh. Feeding 2–4 times a week is sufficient.
• Compatibility: Due to its aggressive temperament, it's best housed with larger, robust species such as eels, groupers, and triggerfish. Avoid keeping it with smaller, passive fish or ornamental crustaceans, as it may exhibit predatory behavior.

Fun Fact: The Dampiera Dottyback is known for its voracious appetite and has been observed breaking larger prey into bite-sized pieces to consume them more easily.

By providing appropriate tank conditions and a suitable diet, the Dampiera Dottyback can be a captivating and resilient addition to a marine aquarium.